New Ohio River bridge opens to traffic

Thomas Ferguson

Ed Hensley

Lindsey Turner

JEFFERSON COUNTY, IN (WAVE) - A new milestone has been reached for a bridge linking Kentucky and Indiana that was two years in the making. Traffic flowed along the new Milton-Madison Bridge Tuesday after crews rerouted traffic from the old US 421 bridge late Monday night.

"I think they did a great job building this new bridge," said Thomas Ferguson, a Madison resident.

Having lived in the area for more than a decade, Ferguson said prior to the updates, the bridge had deteriorated over time.

"People could go across it but they were very careful," said Ferguson.

Drivers like Ed Hensley welcome the project, applauding its multi-step execution that allowed the route to remain open and cut down on many motorists' commutes.

Many people including residents, motorists, and local business operators applaud to update.

"It's been a real pain for years," said Hensley. "I'd have to go clear to Louisville, Kentucky and come back up to Bedford or go to Markland Dam and come down 42."

The updated bridge is also meeting the approval of area business operators. Mumbles BBQ Manager Lindsey Turner is hopeful flowing traffic will equal steady sales.

"It'll bring people saying 'oh the bridge is open, we can finally get across Madison and go down to the river'," said Turner. "hopefully {they'll} grab something to eat here."

The new Milton-Madison Bridge currently sits on temporary piers in the Ohio River. Following a rehabilitation of the original piers, the 2,427 foot bridge will be shifted back to the original piers later this summer. During that process, the new bridge will close for one week.

A 15 ton weight limit is in effect for all vehicles that travel across the bridge.